The truth is that I'd not accept anything less especially from myself, it's totally unacceptable, Lateef found himself yelling at himself.
There was just nothing else for him to do that just take it all out on himself, the pressure he had been feeling was enough to inflate a tire.
Being the last born of a family of five ought to give him a leverage in life but reality has set in and it's just not as it was expected to go down.
Now he's learning to just keep one feet in front of the other till the destination is reached.
It's been a hell of a time expecting and not getting. The future is bright is always the word that every youth in the country have been made to wallow in.
Lateef was a grand child, a special child to his family.
When he was younger, he was the pride of his siblings and parents and it only grew more with his age and time but here is Lateef living with the fear that he may not be able reach the expectation of everyone.
The real fear Lateef was facing was the fear that all his expectations and promises to himself wouldn't be attained because reality has set in now and there's no other way to see than accept the reality of life.
Good morning sir, how are you, Lateef says as he picks the call.
I'm all good, your mum says hi, how have you been over at Atma?
Its been a while we spoke, Lateef father replies.
It's been six months Lateef left home to Atma where he gained admission studying to be an engineer.
It's all good over here, I must say that Atma is much more comforting than Urus. Atma is much more calm, peaceful, less traffic and has better roads, it was just hard for me to accept this place when I first came here.
Yes, that's true Atma is calm with better roads and it sounds like you enjoying that place since you didn't return home for the short break you had. Anyway I'd send a friend's number at this call I mention him to you so call him and try seeing him when have the chance because it would gladden my heart to know that there's someone you can reach out to when you need a little help.
Thanks I'd do that just take care of yourself and mum.
Sure thing my man, bye.
Lateef's phone beeps indicating a message with a contact from pop.
Anyway Lateef is back to his thoughts which he just can't shake off his mind.
This isn't the first time he seem to be going through such thoughts because he always drives it away be exploring a new part of his new city or going for class and meeting friends.
Today is different from every other day because it's the weekend and there's no place he hasn't visited in the city and the worse part is that Lateef wants to feel it rather than shake it off this time around.
Lateef only became worried today because he woke up to the sound of his alarm indicating that today was the 24th of March 2022, a date he set to be to have concluded his university studies at age 27 and have over $1 million before hitting thirty years of age.
Today turns out to be the day and he only became numb as he left his phone to off the reminder alarm, it all became glaring that this is his reality that he has to live with and couldn't shake off even after talking to his father over the phone.
Almost in tears, Lateef picks up his phone and goes over to the message pop Denny him and saves Engr. Eric's number and dials it.
Good afternoon sir, this is Lateef Babalola, Ola Babalola's son, Lateef says to the person on the other line.
*Okay, how did you get this my contact? Don't know anyone by the name, Mr. Popoola with a deep voice replies.
Ola Babalola is my father he says I should reach out to you that you both spoke earlier today that his son would call, Lateef says with a bit of confusion.
Oh, you should have said Samu but that's by the way. How you doing? Can you come to my office I'm about leaving since it's the weekend? I'd text you an address.
Lateef became distracted from his thoughts as he only wondered who the receiver was, at least it's good that he'd be off his thoughts for the time being.
I'm doing well, I'd be there once I get your address.
The line ends abruptly without no word from Engr. Eric.
Lateef ends up telling the security guarding a four storey building he was here for Mr. Eric as they tell him how to get to his office.
You must be Lateef, Engr. Eric stands on his feet welcoming Lateef into his office.
I hope it wasn't difficult finding your way?
No, it wasn't. I'm fairly with this area only I haven't entered this part of the estate before.
Alright, you welcome, we a consulting firm anyway dealing with offshore works anyway.
Are you an musician or an actor? Engr. Eric asks.
With a confused look on my face, No, I'm not, I'm actually studying engineering in my first year.
Don't you know you could be apprehended at any time with your beards and such hairstyle, that shouldn't be a way any reasonable person or one with a future should look.
Shave that off next time we'd be seeing each other.
With disgust in my face, I don't even know this man but pop's made me come here, okay, sir I'd do that.
I was handed $50 as he told me he's logging off and I should go have lunch.
I collected the money, saying thank you and was already itching to leave the uncomfortable place.
At least I have some cash to lighten my mood a bit but that was the last time I saw Engr. Eric because I never did shave my beards.
Thanks for visiting my blog, till next time.